Caleb didn’t move, not knowing if he should follow or allow her time alone. The sound of Quinn clearing his throat had him shaking his head before glancing at his friend.
“You should go out with her, Caleb. From what Colin said, it’s been a hard day for all the lasses.” Quinn placed a hand over Emma’s, leaning over to kiss her cheek. Like Heather, she hadn’t taken a single bite of her food.
“Maybe I will.” Caleb stood. Grabbing his hat from a hook by the door, he walked outside in time to see Heather disappear into the barn. He struggled with what to do. Quinn said it best—the women had been through a lot, seen too much, and would carry the memory with them forever.
When they arrived at the ranch, Colin had taken Quinn, Caleb, and Deke aside, explaining what happened. As irritated as they were about the women being sent out to warn the men, they couldn’t be more proud of them.
Maybe that was what he should tell Heather before mentioning his decision to leave. He knew it wouldn’t matter to her, but telling her before anyone, except Quinn, seemed right. Then he could leave with a clear conscience.
Blowing out a shaky breath, he placed his hat on his head, walking to the barn. Inside, he saw what he expected. Heather stood at Shamrock’s stall, talking to her mare as she’d speak to anyone.
“I thought I’d find you here.”
Startled, she turned around, resting her back against the stall. “What are you doing out here?”
Walking up to her, he leaned against the stall, keeping a couple feet between them. “Same as you. Getting some fresh air.”
She didn’t respond, choosing to turn around and watch Shamrock.
“Are you all right?”
She choked out a strained laugh, shaking her head. “Nae.”
“Killing a man isn’t easy, no matter how good the reason.”
Giving him a slight nod, she let out a breath. “Nae, it isn’t.”
They stood in silence for several minutes, watching Shamrock move about the stall. Caleb knew Heather would let her mare out into the back pasture before returning to the house, and he was determined to wait her out.
He had some things to say before he left.
“How is Miss Harris?”
Caleb turned toward her, surprised by the question. “I’ve no idea, other than seeing her when she came for Sunday supper.”
Glancing at him, she shook her head. “You know what I’m asking.”
Frowning, he shook his head. “No, I don’t. I’ve spoken to her a few times, nothing more. You seem to know more about her than me.”
Worrying her lower lip, she lowered her head. “August said he thinks you might be courting her.”
Choking out a laugh, Caleb shoved his hat back from his forehead. “I assure you, I’m not courting Miss Harris.” He watched as she continued to stare at her boots. “Would it bother you if I did court her?”
Her head whipped up. “Aye…I mean, nae…”
Chuckling, he touched her cheek. “Which is it, Heather?”
Eyes wide, her lips parted. “Nae,” she breathed out.
“Are you sure?” He felt her shudder as his thumb caressed her lower lip.
“I, um…” Her voice caught as he continued to smooth his thumb across her lip, sending chills through her body. No man had ever touched her like this. She’d never been kissed, and other than hugs from family and friends, no man had ever held her. Caleb’s light touch made her feel things she’d never felt before.
Inching closer, he lowered his head a little, forcing her to look into his eyes.
“You know what I think?”
Her head moved back and forth slowly, her eyes still fixed on his.
“I think you don’t want me to court Miss Harris, do you?” When she didn’t respond, he leaned to within an inch of her face. “Heather?”
He stood so close, he felt her shudder, sensed the heat radiating between them. Lowering his head, he brushed his lips across hers, surprised when she didn’t push him away. Instead, her breathing became erratic, her eyelids lowering, encouraging him to continue.
“Heather…” he whispered against her lips as his mouth settled over hers.
As soon as Caleb stepped into the barn, she’d fought her body’s response to him. His presence made her feel excited, anxious, scared, and so many other things she couldn’t define. They hadn’t been alone together for so long, she’d forgotten his effect on her. It had always been this way and was the main reason she’d spurned his interest. She had no idea what he expected or how to react. Pushing him away, acting as if she hated him, had been her only defense.
Focusing on Shamrock, she’d done her best to ignore him. She’d answered his questions, hoping he’d give up and leave. Instead, he seemed to settle in, determined to wait her out.
Heather’s mistake had been bringing up Miranda. The question had popped out of her mouth before she could stop it, and she hated to admit the importance of his answer. Acute relief overwhelmed her when he claimed to have no interest in the other woman. Then Caleb had moved forward.
When his finger moved down her cheek, her body vibrated. An overwhelming need to lean into him swamped her, stealing her ability to think and talk. She had no experience with men, nothing to guide her when he brushed his lips against hers. The feeling had been exquisite.
When he’d claimed her mouth, Heather’s first thought had been to push him away, slap his face in indignation. She couldn’t summon the anger.
Instead, she felt her hands creep up his arms to his shoulders, gripping them when he wrapped his arms around her. She’d never felt anything so wonderful or excruciatingly tender. His lips were soft, yet firm and controlling. He knew what he was doing, while all she could do was hang on and hope he didn’t recognize her total lack of experience.
All her life she’d competed with the MacLaren men, fought hard to secure a place as a competent and respected ranch hand. She’d thought it was all she ever wanted…or needed.
As Caleb’s mouth continued to work its magic, her body heating to an almost unbearable degree, she accepted there was much more she needed to learn.
Feeling his hands move to the small of her back, she arched into him, tightening her hold around his neck when his lips moved along her jaw, down her neck, to the tender hollow of her throat. Squirming, trying to get closer, a moan escaped as he brought his mouth back to hers.
Intense pleasure claimed her when his tongue lightly grazed the crease of her lips, causing her to open. Moaning against his mouth, hungry for something, although she didn’t know what it was, she writhed against him. His hands settled on her hips, holding her in place as he continued his tender assault.
She didn’t know how long they’d stood there before he raised his mouth from hers, gazing into her eyes. His warm breath caressed her as he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. Releasing his hold, he stepped away, leaving her with an unfamiliar sense of loss.
Breathing heavily, he reached out, stroking her cheek. A bemused smiled tipped up the corners of his mouth when he saw the confusion in her eyes.
“We have to stop, sweetheart, before we do something we might regret.”
“Regret?” The word whispered from her lips.
Stepping closer, he cupped her face with both his hands, kissing her once more. “Go too far.”
Her brows furrowed before his meaning became clear and her eyes widened. “Oh…”
His gaze heated seeing her flushed face, hearing her labored breathing. “Someday, though, we will make love, Heather.” Reaching out, he slipped a strand of lose hair behind her ear. “You can absolutely count on that.”
To Heather’s disappointment, Caleb had already left when she returned to the house. It didn’t surprise her he’d decided to stay in one of the empty bedrooms in Ewan’s house. With both Brodie and Jinny married, each living in town with their spouses, they had plenty of space.
“Are you all right, lass?” Audrey looked up from where she worked on the hem of a dress.
“Aye, Ma. I’m fine.”
“You’re looking a little flushed. You’re not ill, are you?”
Heather touched her face, feeling a slight warmth, although being ill had nothing to do with it. “Nae, I’m not ill.”
Setting down the dress, Audrey stood, walking up to her. “I’m sorry for what you had to do today.”
“It had to be done, Ma. If we hadn’t been there, the lads might’ve been shot, maybe killed.”
“Aye. Instead, you four lasses had to kill others to protect them. It shouldn’t have been necessary.”
“But it was, Ma.” Quinn walked into the living room from the kitchen with Emma, his arm around her waist. “And you can’t be blaming yourself for sending them out. You made the right decision.”
Blowing out a breath, Audrey nodded. “Aye, but it wasn’t an easy thing to ask of them.”
Quinn dropped his arm from around his wife’s waist, moving up to hug his mother. “Not much is easy. We are all doing the best we can, making hard decisions. The one you made today saved our lives.” Turning, he looked at Emma and Heather. “The lasses did well today. And, as much as it pains me to say, shot as well as any of the MacLaren men.”
Heather’s face lit up, as did Emma’s. A compliment such as this didn’t come often.
“Now, lasses. Don’t be getting big-headed over this.”
“Us?” Heather smiled. “We’ve known our skills are as good as yours for a long time, Quinn. It was the lads we had to convince.”
His face turned serious. “And don’t be bragging about this. Killing a man is never something to brag on.”
Heather’s face sobered. “Aye, it isn’t.”
Emma looked at Quinn. “Do you think we’ll find out who hired them?”
“I don’t know, lass. Only three of the horses were found, and there was nothing to identify the men. It may be they’re nothing more than what it seems.”
“Rustlers,” Emma whispered.
“And killers,” Heather added.
“Aye. They may have seen us coming, abandoned the herd to set a trap. They would’ve known we’d drive the herd south, so they found a good position and waited.”
Audrey shook her head. “But why kill the ranch hand and set fire to the hacienda, Quinn? Those make no sense.”
Quinn nodded. “Aye, they don’t. Sometimes there’s no explaining how people like that think.”
“Evil never makes sense.” Emma stepped up to him. “We need to figure out who those men were and if someone hired them.”
Heather nodded. “Aye. There may be more than the six we saw.”
Bram walked in from outside, stopping when he saw the dire expressions. “Is there something wrong?”
Quinn shook his head. “We’ve been talking about those who died and if there might be more who weren’t a part of the trap.”
Bram took off his hat, setting it on a hook. “I’ve been wondering the same. We leave early tomorrow morning with the wagon to fetch the bodies. We’ll take them to the undertaker’s, then fetch Brodie. Maybe someone in town will recognize them.”
Heather glanced at Bram before looking at Quinn. “Will we be going with you?”
“Nae, lass. You’ve done your part. Only Colin, Bram, and Fletch are going. The rest of us are needed here. You, Emma, Coral, and Geneen will be helping with the herd.”
“Really?” Emma asked, her voice laced with excitement.
Quinn smiled. “Aye, lass. We’ve been thinking it’s time we used your skills more than we’ve been doing…at least until more men are hired.”
Emma looked at Heather. “We should go tell Coral and Geneen.” They started for the door before Quinn called them back.
“Colin already told them. Seems they’re as excited as you.”
“Of course they are, Quinn. Except for Heather, the rest of us have only been going out maybe one day a week. We can do so much more.” Emma stood on tiptoes, placing a kiss on his cheek.
Bram shook his head. “I don’t know why you lasses are so excited. It’s hard work out there.”
Emma glared at her brother-in-law. “And you think what we do around here isn’t hard?”
Holding up both hands, Bram took a step away. “I know you work with Fletch and me with the horses, and Heather’s been out with the cattle. It’s just…I don’t know…dangerous to be out there every day.” His gaze met Emma’s. “You know how dangerous.”
Emma nodded, the memory of the stampede that almost killed her still fresh in her mind.
Heather stepped next to her younger brother, placing a hand on his arm. “Emma and I are ready, and I know Coral and Geneen are, too. Don’t be worrying about us, Bram.” The words made her think of Caleb and what he’d say when he heard the women would be out with the cattle. “Does Caleb know?”
Quinn shot a knowing look at her. “Aye, lass. He isn’t thrilled, but agreed it was for the best. He and Blaine will be moving the Evanston herd back here tomorrow. I suggested you go with them. That will give them five riders, including the two ranch hands still there.”
Her chest constricted, thinking of working alongside Caleb. Heather felt herself shiver, remembering the two of them in the barn less than an hour ago. Her lips still tingled from his touch.
“Did you hear me, lass?” Quinn asked, a slow grin spreading across his face.
“Aye. I’ll be ready in the morning.” Swiping hair off her face, she moved to the stairs. “I should be getting to bed then.”
Quinn nodded, the smile still on his face. “Aye. I’m certain Caleb will be wanting an early start tomorrow. Sleep well.”
Chapter Thirteen
Caleb stared at the ceiling, his arms tucked behind his head. After the last couple days, he’d thought falling asleep would be easy. He hadn’t expected the way his body still hummed from being with Heather. Holding her had been far better than any of the many fantasies he’d created.
He hadn’t expected her to react to him the way she did, or the blistering passion. Given her quick temper and independent ways, Caleb thought she’d push him away, not pull him closer. He’d wanted to continue, let her know the depth of his feelings.
It had taken all his willpower to break the kiss and step away. He’d known the instant he touched her lips she’d never been kissed before, not that he expected anything different. She’d spent her life competing with men, doing her best to prove herself to her father, Gillis. After his death, Heather had pushed harder, doing all she could to draw attention to her work. It had alienated her family. No one wanted to work with her, except Caleb.
He’d volunteered to ride with her when others hesitated, made sure she wasn’t out on the range alone. She tended to go off by herself—Heather’s way of proving to the others she didn’t need them to do her job. Her decisions were often foolish, putting her, and others, in danger. When Mildred Evanston offered her a job, it had been a relief to everyone, except Caleb.
According to Quinn, Colin, and others, the time there had mellowed Heather. Other than their brief time in the barn, Caleb had yet to see it. He’d planned to leave as soon as the MacLarens decided to close the Evanston ranch and move the cattle. The events of the last few days made his choice more difficult.
In the morning, he, Blaine, and Heather would join the men still there, round up the cattle, and move them into the main herd. By tomorrow night, he’d be free to leave.
He found himself facing a dilemma. After kissing Heather, he no longer knew if that was what he wanted. Caleb also wasn’t sure he should stay.
The Heather he knew could change moods on a whim. He’d seen it, experienced it, and refused to rely too much on a few kisses, no matter how passionate.
They’d be together tomorrow, the next day, and the following. He had plenty of time to decide if Heather could still be a part of his life.
Closing his eyes, Caleb felt himself drift off with the vague image of a future he couldn’t quite perceive.
“Blaine, Heather…a
re you ready?” Caleb sat atop Jupiter, waiting outside the barn as the other two finished saddling their horses. He’d gotten three hours of sleep before a slice of early morning sun peered through the curtains. Slipping into his pants and shirt, he’d downed a cup of coffee before preparing to ride. It would be a long day. One he wanted to get behind him.
“Aye.” Blaine reined up next to him.
Heather rode out of the barn a few seconds later, holding the reins in one hand while pushing her hat down with the other.
They’d yet to acknowledge each other. Caleb had Jupiter saddled by the time she collected Shamrock from the pasture. She’d made no effort to look at him, keeping her face turned away. After Blaine joined them, any opportunity they had to talk about the night before vanished.
Caleb looked at each of them. “It’s going to be a long day. Ewan and Ian want us to move the cattle over to the main herd, then return with a wagon for the tack and tools.”
Ready to move out, he rolled the heels of his boots into Jupiter’s sides. Caleb rode in front, Blaine and Heather behind him. He could hear them talking, even if he couldn’t make out the conversation. Every once in a while, Heather’s laughter echoed down the deserted trail. Not a giggle like some women, but a rich, throaty sound that reverberated through him.
He fought the urge to look behind him, join in the fun, but thoughts of last night stopped him. She’d ignored him all morning. Then again, he’d done the same.
If he pursued something with Heather and it didn’t work out, he’d be the one leaving with his pride and heart exposed. If he left now, it would be a clean break without anyone getting hurt.
Things were getting complicated, and he didn’t like complicated.
Caleb shifted in the saddle, looking over his shoulder. “The ranch is up ahead.”
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